Multivariable Robust Regulation of Alkalinities in Continuous Anaerobic Digestion Processes: Experimental Validation

A multivariable adaptive feedback control for highly uncertain continuous anaerobic digestion processes is proposed to regulate the volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, strong ions concentrations, and total intermediate alkalinities. The scheme includes a Luenberger observer estimate both unmeasured variables (i.e., VFA) unknown microbial growth kinetics. approach designed using an exponential Lyapunov function resemble typical biological of involved consortia. Taking into account physicochemical equilibrium, alkalinities are represented as state variables. As result, problem becomes regulation on alkalinities, in turn, tracking variables, with two manipulated variables—the dilution rate feed alkali solution—while variables’ set-points given pH. implementation this was experimentally tested validated 0.982 m3 pilot plant treating agro-industrial wastewater demonstrated be robust face Results showed potential practical application optimization industrial digesters.